The Buzz: Artisan Bistro opens

New restaurant takes spot vacated by Old Bavarian in Grand Chute

Jul. 29, 2013

Artisan Bistro, on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 located in the former Old Bavarian space that's attached to Best Western hotel on College Ave. in Grand Chute, Wis. Sharon Cekada/Post-Crescent Media / Sharon Cekada/Post-Crescent Media

Written by

Maureen Wallenfang

Post-Crescent Media

Chef Charlie Stephens preps food on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at Artisan Bistro, located in the former Old Bavarian space that's attached to Best Western hotel on College Ave. in Grand Chute, Wis. Sharon Cekada/Post-Crescent Media / Sharon Cekada/Post-Crescent Media

Maureen Wallenfang

When Bob Sanghvi, owner of the Best Western Fox Valley Inn in Grand Chute, was unable to find a tenant for his vacant restaurant space at 3025 W. College Ave., he decided to renovate the space and reopen the restaurant himself.

Old Bavarian had been in the building until a few months ago when it relocated in downtown Appleton.

Sanghvi wanted the restaurant operating as an amenity for hotel guests, including the booked-solid EAA crowd this week.

“Charlie Stephens is a real go-getter,” said Jeff Igel, chair of the FVTC culinary program. “He is a hard worker with high standards.”

After room service, breakfasts and burgers, Stephens was given latitude to try a range of ideas in a menu that changes every day. He favors Mediterranean style dishes, seafood, pasta and gourmet pizzas.

“In room service you’ll get standardized pizzas, but the restaurant has pizzas with caramelized pears and goat cheese or spinach and artichokes,” he said.

General manager Miranda Brown-Peyketewa said renovations gave the place a lighter, brighter appearance, and they’re using mainly the front portion of the large building.

“We’re using the bar, lounge area and the small dining room,” she said. “We offer catering in the larger dining room in the back.”

Artisan Bistro is open for dinner every day except Sunday. Its lounge has happy hours and Thursday night craft beer specials.